An Overhaul is the Need of the Hour, and a Fresh Lifestyle is the Only One Thenceforth

 

In each of my hubs, I have been examining a well understood part of human or human society to show, how it could differ a lot from whatever is transpired by the generally accepted explanation about it. I concede, widely accepted norms are formed naturally. But, if those are found to be at variance with whatever it should be, what options are there before us? I thought of examining this issue to see, whether there is a way out.

An Issue from the Past

I would like to begin with a significant question, which also is, I think, interesting to most people, the most. Why is human society stuck to a path of self-destruction? It seems they invent things, and then they invent that what was invented can lead to their doom. Or they derive medications, and then they learn that those are doing more harm than good.

And it is true everywhere, whether it is about life, the social plane of life, the material plane of life, and things without life. Being an intelligent one, their reaction should have been to study and analyze this imbroglio and to come up with a remedy.

The Answer to The Issue

Instead, they are always busy with abstract questions. See, such are the questions to ask, either when one is unaware, or when one would like to reach an answer, one is looking for. And they continue to play with abstract questions that can be answered by various facets of this imbroglio. Yes, such questions would have originated out of our earliest answers to this, scientific temper being something yet to be known.  And, having no wherewithal to probe further, they hoarded all of those, which, over time became what we now term as our unfathomable part.

What did the Answer Do

So, we need to address the unfathomable part of the human quite well, to make the rest, live well. Are we doing so? I think, no. Instead, we are celebrating with abandon, whatever comes out of it. As a result, not even a random glance with a critical look, like the one from Newton that caught an apple, ever fell on it. No wonder, all is not well with us. Before it is too late, we need to think of doing something about it.

The Issue, Presently

Now, things are different. We engage in many fascinating developments, and, at least some of which should have been making us address such questions. Somehow, instead of doing it, we just redefine all those as abstract entities, till those questions make some sense, or appear relevant, in the new, altered, scenario. So, the questions happily remain as questions, just enough to rationalize a violent and self-destructive society. For example, if the current ambiance is one of political activity, those questions could be appearing as anomalies in public order, discipline, or patriotism; if it is one of income, profit, loss, or productivity, and if it is one of values, honesty, integrity, or vices. So, even when we find an error, it is not something concrete!

In this, we have been successful to a great extent, though we are only giving some abstract meanings to those unknowns. As a result, though we feel better informed and enlightened, the danger is still there. And we are overlooking it, taking pride in the commotion as nothing else but the true signature of human race. What can we do now to neutralize?

Issue was there, All Along!

Throughout history, such a danger was always in our mind, more so, for the leaders of the society. Can’t we see, a mere look at our history can show that utmost importance was always given to questions in this regard. For example, Plato mentions in his allegory of the caves that what people see is only a shadow, and the real things and persons are always in hiding.

What have we been doing about it?

Yes, there is nobody who doesn’t say that human way of life needs urgent correction. I too, am in full agreement, just as our forefathers would have been.

Have a glance at our history. There is no one who did not attain greatness, after suggesting a remedial measure for this. And, there is no one who did not propose a remedy for the same, having attained greatness. So, since the earliest of times, someone has been engaged in correcting our society. In spite of all these efforts, the issues persist.

Issue was Overshadowed

I agree, we classify and name the issues that are found, imaginatively. Perhaps it would have been helping us maintain whatever peace and harmony that existed so far. But, as a result, every persisting issue shall be appearing to one as a new one. And, since we already reached a conclusion that human race is a violent one, we feel it is normal to  have a good collection of issues at all times. So, we quietly let all those fresh issues intimidate us. As a result, persistence of such issues do not get the attention it deserves.

Issue ‘Overcomes’ the Remedy!

But, look. We are taking great efforts to identify and locate the issues that affect us. And we are leaving no-stone-unturned in formulating and applying effective remedies to all of those. We are also according the highest status to those of us who spend their time and effort in finding answers, naming them as holy men, saints, or other leaders of great worth.

Still, these persist, and our society remains as unruly as before. Why? Why should human society be so? More so, since, in all other areas, be it of lifeless objects, or living ones other than ourselves, each remedy we adopt, delivers a result. Otherwise, we institute a different method of application, or come up with a new one. Effectively, every such encounter re-validates our position as intelligent beings.

But, in this particular case, either our remedy is wrong or unsuitable, or we are applying it improperly. Also, no other form of life is facing an issue like this, and, each of those is able to find necessary solutions to problems that arise. Effectively, every encounter from the social angle undermines our position as intelligent beings.  

Wrong Style of Remedy?

Think of remedy. Each of us is constantly bombarded by a stream of remedial measures, be it from the political bosses, theological stalwarts, literary greats, or those embracing other areas like science. It looks highly unlikely that all those remedial measures will simultaneously turn incorrect.

Now, take our style of application of remedy. One thing immediately strikes me. Though each remedy may be far different from the other one, all of those are applied in the same manner. This is quite unlike it is in all other areas, including that of inanimate objects. It seems, we are applying a good remedy wrongly.

Human Style of Remedy

What emerges from the above is that we need to analyze the whole gamut of remedy, especially that of its application, with a fresh mind. Is it the same, when we deal with inanimate objects, and those with life? Is it OK to have the same for humans and non-humans? Also, should it be the same, whatever be the issue?

I think, our current idea about these things is that it is the same. Also, same was our idea, so far. Which can be summarized broadly as a process having three independent steps. Namely, identification, analysis, and conclusion.

Identification occurs, whenever we acknowledge the presence of something amiss. This could happen as a result of our own search or investigation, or as an offshoot of some other activity, like a better appreciation of reality.

The next part, analysis, is an activity that strictly does not have an end. And it is amenable to any extent, one’s personal priorities being the sole determining factor. In fact, no one really likes to analyze, though everyone likes to take feed from the outcome of an analysis that aligns with one’s priorities. Such priorities, though are not very clearly understood by any, can be appreciated as a combination of one’s expected conclusion as well as the current temperament. Thus, effectively, it is the last part, conclusion, that determines the direction and flow of analysis, and not vice versa.

The last part, conclusion, though indicates to an end, is something that is alive. And available at a call, at all times. This is so because, for all, conclusion will be pointing to certain activities of living one’s life. Man being an altruistic animal, there may be many occasions that call for dissertations involving things that are not directly related to life, like the ultimate aim. At such times, each one will take as a conclusion, whatever is contextually acceptable. Thus, there is a need for a firm understanding of conclusion, and it is always the one that is acceptable to most people that finally triumphs. And, conclusion will have an influence over what one shall see, and what will happen later to it. So, conclusion is the one that have a significant say on the ideas we germinate, nurture, or maintain.

What Wrong (Good) does Remedy do?

From what is discussed above, a remedy is strongly linked to our expectations, and has no connection with the cause of the ailment. But, it does its job, at least in some cases, and works fairly well. Why?

An automatic control system helps to maintain status quo by compensating for the error or the difference between the expected value and the actual value of signals of interest. Whereas, human nature modulates itself to accommodate the possible changes or errors caused by every idea that hampers one’s journey to the chosen conclusion. Because of this reason, we do not notice any error anywhere, whether of identification, analysis, or conclusion. But, since we were forced to accommodate something, we sense something amiss. Our sense falls on the obvious or the most relevant one contextually, like a cartoon, which, at best, can be termed a virtual cause. See, we have been going strong with this kind of social control for long, where, some of us celebrate, and some denounce, virtual causes.

Or, wherever we find a difficulty to accommodate, we have been finding a virtual cause. And, after we get over the difficulty, since we do nothing particularly to remove the cause, it gets into a collection of human-specific abstractions. Thus, unknowing to us, every virtual cause gets metamorphosed into a highly valued abstraction. Now, quite a lot of such abstractions are doing rounds, making it impossible to locate an actual issue, respond, and live peacefully. And, it is bound to become even more difficult, as time goes by.

In short, instead of following blindly, things and animals, we need to devise a new way to administer remedy and its application, as far as human is concerned.

This is a strong reason for an immediate correction, like overhauling our life.

What Next?

Suppose we overhaul our life and make a pristine beginning. Will it be enough?

I think, no. Look, the beginnings of human race after the big bang also would have been something comparable. But, from there, we managed to reach the present condition, on our own. Therefore, it stands to reason to think that in a matter of time we will be back to where we are now. Do we overhaul again, then?

It is time to answer another question. What necessitated this overhaul? Obviously, our lifestyle. Or, more accurately, the cascading effect of the significant components of whatever style of living, each of us follow. Like, certain behavioral quirks, diet, or other particularities that creep in to our lifestyle that we routinely find inappropriate some time later. Why does it happen so?

The Real Culprit

Obviously, because of our adherence to an utterly inappropriate lifestyle. Why? We are yet to devise a unique lifestyle for ourselves. So far, we have been resorting to an age old technique, beg, borrow, or steal, and arriving at a via-media. Perhaps, since every new one, we managed to obtain, was considerably better than the existing, we gleefully overlooked its disadvantages. Which, of course we learn after many a generation, and then we resort the same technique once again.

If human life does not flow smoothly, it is only a result of such a lackadaisical approach to the most significant feature of life, the lifestyle.

What Can we Do?

To begin with, let us see, what should be the lifestyle, as far as human is concerned? As one can see, unlike other forms of life who follows a lifestyle that support its life, each human adopts a lifestyle and, structures one’s life to support the same. And, whenever there is a change in circumstances, as much as possible, life gets altered to continue with the same lifestyle. The altered life must be taking a great hit, in many of those instances. So, if we are looking for a smooth life, lifestyle should be amenable easily to changes. Or, our lifestyle should be shaping itself to facilitate a good flow of life for all forms of life, and the planet that houses all of those. (Note, at least currently, our style of living does not gel with that of the rest of life. No wonder, it is a tumultuous life, and if this does not call for an overhaul, what will?)

This is where, science should come in. I had mentioned elsewhere, we are following a geocentric lifestyle in a heliocentric world. We need to make a break. Let us derive the optimum lifestyle, or a combination of a few, which should, at any juncture, shape itself to become a style that is most conducive to human life, the life of all others, and the planet that houses all of those.

Book Review: A Pizza The Action

Having enjoyed 'Hamburger Dreams' by the same author, with great expectations, I opened 'A Pizza the Action' by Christopher Carosa. The book didn't disappoint me, the first lesson itself is an amusing one. How the boys volunteer to eat all the unfresh ones to make the pizza shop look fresh. After a few, more important lessons, the narrative shifts to the character traits, one needs to develop. Namely, personal values, community values, and business values needed to create a successful business that lasts through generations.
It feels like I am resonating with many of the suggestions to chart success in one's venture, like, evoking sympathy and being cool to face it all. I agree too, business is a tough world filled with tough guys playing a lot of tough games. The book devotes a good chapter for packaging the many and varied techniques of selling, including a significant part of commerce that doesn’t involve money. Who won't agree, in both, a winning proposition is more important than a smiling personality.
This is also a collection of fond reminiscences. A loving grandfather, an adorable grandmother, players in his boyhood, and their  memories, come alive in this book.

Book Review: THE RESILIENCE ROADMAP

THE RESILIENCE ROADMAP - The 7 Guideposts for Charting Your Course in a Chaotic World, by Mark Blac, is a detailed action plan for facing challenges in life. Resilience is most critical, the book says, a skill that make us not only survive life’s challenges, but also thrive through them. Like, how, the trials of infancy and childhood served to prepare the author well for what would happen in adolescence and adulthood. 

This is also a guide to becoming more resilient. Seven simple, though not easy steps hide the principles and strategies that will help one thrive in the face of whatever adversity, one may meet. Attributes that leads to resilience, like adaptation, acceptance, and commitment are examined. So also, the ones that can make resilience stay, like focus, action, patience, and perseverance.

I enjoyed the book. This is almost a mathematical analysis of resilience and its factors, while helping us build our capacity to handle whatever may come our way. This book has all the tools, one will need to handle everything that may ever happen. Practical and insightful suggestions and subtly placed anecdotes make this book a treasure to have and a pleasure to read.

Book Review: The Future of the Impossible

The Future of the Impossible: the Physics and Ethics of Time Travel by Dannelle Shugart examines time travel, in dimensions of travel (physics), time, and ethics. In chapter 1, we are given a good insight into the physics of it, special and general theories of relativity, black holes, worm holes, and other esoteric objects of science, paving the way. Next comes, what can be called a better depiction of reality, by quantum physics. Like how, many versions of the same time traveler can exist, with no catastrophic violation of the laws of physics. The discussion now moves to other boundaries, where we meet questions that test the ethics of time travel. Like, is it ethical to traverse a black hole into another universe?

The book then concludes with a firm reply that most forms of time travel are no more detrimental than other methods of travel.

This is an enjoyable read, it poured light on many paradoxes of philosophy and physics.

Book Review - The Speed of Air

The Speed of Air-The Story of Willard Custer and His Channel Wing Aircraft, by Joel C. Custer and Robert J. Englar, tells the story of mechanic/inventor Willard R. Custer. How, one who was neither an 'aerodynamicist' nor an aircraft designer, developed and successfully flew a new and very novel aircraft concept. That is, force an airflow over a stationary wing to create lift, and it can takeoff or land vertically. Once airborne, it can fly like any other plane. But, there was no commercial success, government scientists, evaluators, and commercial aircraft builders/operators declaring it too unconventional to succeed. What follows is the history of these obstacles.
The initial chapters tells about first aircraft he built, which looked like, and was named, bumblebee. How he lost out when the patent application was examined side by side the one from Sikrosky. And his prolonged struggles with different patent offices and judges.
The book chronicles a large number of demonstrations of a full-size aircraft, lifted by air pressure from a complete standstill, and achieve the slowest speed ever flown by a fixed-wing airplane. Of course, at least a few suspecting some sort of subterfuge.
The narration is thrilling, I used to have a peek at the next page, well before I could complete the current one. It is also factual, the book gives a chronological review of all that took place. Also with sympathy, and Custer comes out as one with unyielding perseverance. There is also hope for further research. Possible drawbacks or shortcomings of the present design are analyzed in this book. I would have enjoyed thoroughly, if a few diagrams or engineering drawings were there to illustrate this revolutionary idea.
 

A New Look at Teaching

 Teaching is an activity, the 'elders' of all forms of life do. And, one can comfortably say, no difficulties have ever been observed in teaching the arts, each of those is a master of. But, it is a big challenge, as far as humans go, if the proliferation of teaching aids be taken as an indication. We humans are taking no note of this, saying, all species of life (except human!) have nothing much to teach. And we have no problem in accepting happily, the rather incongruous conclusion that a superior species, who possess greater capacity to learn, will need a lot of teaching. Why is it that we have to teach a lot. Is there no other way?

Let us see, how do we teach, presently?

We decide, what one should learn, how, when, etc. (Or we choose someone to decide things like these)

Then we formulate a plan to have it done in an appropriate manner. Like, choosing a suitable time to teach, deciding who will teach, what, and how. Now, almost all choices in this regard are more or less the same as that of the earliest of times, except for timely variation of the same.

As time went by, much changed.  We have been adapting ourselves to those changes, as and when they occur. (Of course, patting ourselves for instituting the change!)

Are we teaching optimally? I do not think so. In fact, wherever we can afford, we are still living in a geocentric universe. So, unless it is impossible, we continue with the old.

Once again, look at the way we confront the issue of teaching. It seems, we have not at all deviated from whatever was the earliest style of teaching, we have been following. The salient features of which, perhaps was a good fit for the society, then. People would not have been having a good idea about the outward show of things, and almost nothing about its internal make up. They could overcome such a shortcoming by resorting to large collections of abstractions. Accordingly, a style of teaching would have evolved that mainly consisted of making the wards able to identify and describe the abstract concepts and ideas of whatever is chosen to learn. At a much later stage, or perhaps as necessary or convenient, they would have been familiarizing with all those, in actual use. Now, we are sticking to the same style, even though, we have a totally different idea about things and ideas. We are more familiar with real things and functional ideas than the abstract equivalents, unlike the past.

If we use the same style of teaching, as one can easily see, those at the receiving end of a lesson are not likely to be, naturally ready to pick up the lesson. All those concepts and other abstract ideas will be totally new to them, and also of little relevance to the chosen area of study. We are very much aware of it, and we realize the need to have different styles of teaching for various subjects. Now, rather than examining the aptness of teaching in this age old style, we go on a spree to invent and fabricate different mechanisms or aids to turn this mode of teaching into an interesting and fruitful activity. Yes, we think, we have been succeeding in this. So, as centuries go by, and, perhaps with some changes in hardware, we continue to remain with the same style of teaching.  

Should it be so? Are we as successful as what we would have been, had our style of teaching been keeping with the times? (Logically, human race, everywhere, would have been keeping with the times. But, their propensity to abstract, did the damage. In doing so, they could easily redefine the hardware in their life to absorb much of the changes without making a hardware change. As a consequence, none of them realize the mismatch that existed between the nature of reality and their appreciation of it. That is why, though even from the days of the early Greece, much of reality is appreciated well enough, human race had a long wait to industrial revolution, to reap its benefits.)

What am I getting at? We can learn one thing from our experience of teaching the young. Abstraction is of great help, especially to make things that are otherwise unclear, clear. And, it can explain the proliferation of abstract musings in whatever literary gems of the past, we happen to uncover. Quite understandably, the thinkers of the past, just like everybody else of those days, were unclear about almost everything. But, now, the situation is different. We are clouding the atmosphere of knowledge, when we abstract. Keeping this in mind, we can arrive at a new pattern of teaching, where, all that is abstract is kept for the last.

My book, Hubs that Provoke discusses such ways of learning